Egg container



July 26, 1938. s. BERGSTEIN EGG CONTAINER Filed March 8, 1954 3 Sheets-Sheet l NVENTOR.

ATTORNEYS.

July 26, 1938.

s. BERGSTEIN EGG CONTAINER Fild March 8, 1934 3 Sheets-Sheet 2 INVENTOR.

July 26, 1938., s sT m 2,125,042

EGG CONTAINER Filed March 8, 1954 3 Sheets-Sheet 3 ATTORNEYS.

Patented July 26, 1938 UNITED STATES EGG CONTAINER Samuel Bergstein, Cincinnati, Ohio, assignor to Edna May Bergstein and Robert Morris Bergstein, trustees Application March 8, 1934, Serial No. 714,fi78

Claims.

My invention relates to cartons which are made up and stored and shipped in knocked down,

partially assembled condition. The particular application of my invention illustrated herein is 5 to cartons for packing and shipping eggs. This carton is of the type comprising a holder for eggs, wherein the eggs are heldin two rows longitudinally of the holder, with an inverted channel opening at the lower side of the holder between the two rows of egg compartments, and an outer enclosure, which is the particular subject of my invention, the inner compartment egg holder not being original with-me, nor a part of this invention, except as a cooperating element with the novel exterior structure.

One of the objects of my invention is to provide, in a very simple form, a knock-down container of this character which will require only the simplest manipulation by the user to erect it and make it ready for the reception of the inner egg holder with the eggs.

A further object is to provide such a simply constructed container of this character with means formed on its bottom wh ch will extend up into the inverted channel opening at the bottom of the inner egg container to prevent the inner container from sliding out through either end of the outer container. This provision however, is optional, and I am not to be understood as limited to it.

A more particular object, independent of the object just stated, is the provision of the container in its original partially assembled and knocked-down condition in the form of a tube with four walls, the narrow walls constituting side walls and the wide walls being the top and bottom walls, the top wall having an extension such extension being provided, with a middle portion to act as a tuck, to permit the top being opened and reclosed, and the two opposite end portions of the top .wall and the middle portion being detachable and fastened to one of the side walls, to retain the tubular condition of the container. Other and more particular objects will appear in the course of the following description illustrated by the accompanying drawings, in which- Figure l is a perspective view of a container embodying my invention, with the partially detached cover portion and its flap raised, and with the inner egg holder partially inserted therein and containing a number of eggs.

Figure 2 is a similar view of the same, with the inner egg holder fully inserted, and with the cover flap portion in closed position.

Figure 3 is a longitudinal vertical section on the line 3-3 of Figure 2.

Figure 4 is a partial bottom plan view of the container.

Figure 5 is a plan of the blank in its initial totally unfolded condition, with the cuts and scores, and its areas to which adhesive is applied, indicated.

Figure 6 is a similar view of this blank when the portions of the blank that are to form the top, including the cover portions and its flap and the portions to which the adhesive is applied are folded over on the narrower rear wall portion and wider bottom portion, with the narrow front extending.

Figure 7 is a similar view when the narrow front portion has been folded back over the flap of the top forming portion, this being the completed knock-down condition of the container.

Figure 8 shows a modified blank having end flaps.

Figure 9 is a partial view of same set up.

Figure 10 shows another modified blank, having complete cuts instead of perforations.

Figure 11 is a partial view of same set up.

As I prefer to construct my new improved container, a single sheet of paper stock of the proper weight is out to have a main rectangular part i, from one end of which extends a narrower flap 2. This main part i is scored at 3, t, 5, and 6, the score lines being so relatively arranged that a narrow front wall 1, a wider bottom 8, a narrower rear wall 9, and a wider top it, succeed each other in parallel relation, so that when the main portion l of the blank is folded on these score lines and these parts i, 8, 9, and ID are brought together, the parts form a tube of rectangular cross section.

The part l0, which is to form the top of this tube, has, near its opposite end, lines of perforations ll, not extending to the score lines 5 and 6 that define this top part ill, but instead having at their end parts, cuts l2 and I3 which incline inwardly toward the middle of the blank in their portions nearest to the lines 5 and 6, respectively. These cuts, being entirely through the material and of considerable length, facilitate the tearing of the middle flap portion M from lateral edge portions l5 of this top I0. Out past the score time 6 at respective corners of the part III, are extensions it which are to adhere to the corresponding corners of the part I that forms the front of the tube; and these parts it are severed from adjacent portions of the tucking flap 2 at lines ll, so that the flap 2 is entirely free from the adhering portions l5 when the assembly is completed. The tucking flap 2 is preferably tapered with its corners round, as is usual in the formation of flaps for cartons. In its middle, next to the score line 6, this tucking fiap 2 has a cut forming alocking tongue l8 with tabs l9. This tongue may be pressed out and when the container is set up it will enter its tabs l9 in slits 20 in the upper part of the front Wall 'I.

The egg holder comprises the middle downwardly converging members 2| and the outward members 22 slanting upward from the bottoms of these middle members 2| all of the four members being pressed to form cavities 23 each approximately the shape of one side of an egg.

The central portion of the bottom 8 has cuts 24, each of which consists of an arc-shaped middle cut, the arc-shaped cuts having their concave side presented toward each other, and the outer cuts extend from the middle curved cut-s. Further, a cut 25 joins the curved cuts axially thereto. Also, score lines 26 join the outer ends of the diverging cuts 24, and a score line 21 extends mid- Way between the cuts 24 from one joining cut 26 to the other.

The result of these cuts and score lines is to form flaps 28, each adapted to be bent upward from the bottom 8 on its respective score line 26, and to partially collapse in its score line 21, so that its side portions diverge from this score line toward the middle of the container; while outer tabs29, formed by the curved parts of the cuts 24, are adapted to further bend in toward each other in a direction toward the mid length of the container. The purpose of these fiaps is to fit into the inverted channel between the two middle members 2| of the egg holder after it has been fully inserted into the container, to prevent it from sliding out of the container; and the tabs 29 are forced up between the inner exterior surfaces of opposite egg cavities 23, as best seen in the sectional view of Fig. 3.

Figure 6 shows the container partially formed; the tabs I6, having had the adhesive applied to them, being ready to receive the corner portions Ifia of the front wall 1 when it is folded inwardly, as is shown in Fig. '7. In this latter condition the container is entirely fiat, and may be stored and shipped in a minimum of space and with a minimum of expense for handling and shipping charges.

The preferred method of packing the eggs in the container is to fill the egg holder with eggs and slip it endwise into the container, after the latter has been brought from its fiat, knockdown condition to rectangular tubular shape. In facilitating this, a light metal channel or trough may be used tohold the egg holder in its set up condition, while the eggs are being inserted in the cavities 23 of the holder. Then, with this trough alined with the tubular container, the holder, filled with the eggs, may easily be slid into the container. This allows very rapid packing of the eggs.

It will be noted that this packing does not involve the tearing of the middle cover part I4 from the marginal portions l5; so that the container remains sealed at its cover, avoiding the use of any extra seal, such as has been used on egg cartons of other types. The container blanks may be printed, calling attention to this sealed condition, with the pointers to the lines of partial severance, and directions for opening.

The locking tongue l8 may be inserted in the slits 20 either before or after the insertion of the eggs. This locking tongue l8 may be omitted, as the tucking flap 2 cannot escape from the inside of the front wall I to allow opening of the carton of the top, on account of the retention of the middle part [4 by the marginal portions l5, still integral with the part l4 and fastened at 16, I60. to the front wall 1. This construction affords a much greater security of closure than any carton depending upon a simple cover, tucked or locked in the same manner and ready to open if the tuck or lock fails.

The flap 28, tucked up into retentive engagement with the egg holder, makes it difficult to remove the egg holder and its contained eggs. If this is attempted, tearing of these fiaps 28 is almost certain; therefore, with the preformed sealed condition of the cover, by its middle part [4 remaining integral with the secured marginal parts l5, and this secure retention at the bottom by the flaps 28, there is substantial insurance against substitution of eggs in the container.

The opening left in the bottom of the package by cutting out and bending up of the tongues 28 admits the fingers while the thumb overlies the top of the package; so that very convenient and safe handling of the package is permitted.

In the modification shown in Figs. 8 and 9, the blank is provided with side walls la and 9a, and an end closure 3| with a tucking fiap 32 to fold in over the side flaps 30 after these have been folded in, and have its tucking flap 32 tucked in, as seen in Fig. 9, making a complete closure of the ends of the package. The tucking flaps 32 are narrow enough not to extend in past the inner edges of the marginal top parts l5, so that the top opening is not obstructed.

Another method of packing is to tear the cover part M open, after the egg holder has been inserted empty, and then place the eggs in the holder through the open top, which then may be closed and fastened as before described.

In the modification shown in Figs. 10 and' ll, instead of perforations along the lines H as in the first example, complete cuts Ila are formed, continuous with the slanted cuts l2 and I3. Thus, the middle part M is severed from the marginal portions I5 when the blank is made.

The sealing advantage and security are not present with this example nor with the method of packing just above mentioned, and in either of these cases a locking tab such as the tab l8 of the first example will be more useful. This blank with complete cuts I la will be slightly more difiicult to work on a carton folding and gluing machine than the blank with only weakened connections between the middle part l4 and the marginal parts 15; but it will have the advantage of economy of material, easy packing and handling, and other advantages mentioned in regard to the first example. Also, this package may be very easily opened.

Further, it may be noted that if only very slight junctions of the middle part l4 and marginal parts 15 remain intact, as for instance at the point 33, Figs. 10 and 11, the sealing and security are attained, with easier opening than in the first example, as well as making the blank just as easy to work on the folding and gluing machine. I

My improved construction has advantages in manufacture, in that, after the blanks are cut and creased, they are readily completed on a standard carton gluing machine. As the blanks are moved one by one from the hopper of this machine, the flap or tuck panel 2 is lifted and foldedinwardly, leaving the two extensions l6 extending. It is thus possible, with untimed mechanism and untimed glue wheel and the carton. traveling in the direction of its length, to deposit adhesive. The middle flap portion it is folded inwardly either with the flap panel 2 retained in folded state, or by discontinuing to hold down this panel 2, it will spring open so that when the top portion I4 is folded over, the panel 2 will not be retained in its previously folded state. In either case by then folding inwardly the front wall 7, the small portions it having the adhesive will become adhesively fastened to this front wall.

By my improved design, the carton is produced with a minimum amount of material as well as the minimum cost of production for the reason that a substantially rectangular piece of material is almost entirely used lacking only the small portions at the corners at each side of the tucking flap 2; and owing to the fact that the gluing or adhesive fastening of the carton blank, in its folded con-- dition can be done on a standard high speed carton gluing machine. Owing to the relatively small size of the carton blank, it is possible to print and cut and crease so many more units on a sheet. The economy thus brought about added to the excellent molded cellular egg holder which is available on the market, makes possible a very practical and economical egg container. Al-

though I have rather specifically illustrated and described a preferred example, and have shown several examples of my invention, it will be understood that certain features of one example may be used in another example and that other modifications may occur; and therefore I do not wish to be understood as being limited to the precise disclosure herein, but what I claim as new and desire to secure by Letters Patent is:

1. A carton of tubular shape to receive a cellular egg holder, said carton having a tab cut in its bottom to be turned up therefrom and engage in a recess of the egg holder for the purpose set forth, said tab having a median longitudinal fold I which permits it to bend and be crimped into a recess of said egg holder.

2. A carton of tubular shape to receive a cellular egg holder, said carton having a tab cut 'in its bottom to be turned up therefrom and engage in a recess of the egg holder for the purposes set forth, said tab having lateral projections on its end to bend and make retentive engagement in recesses of the egg holder.

3. A package for eggs comprising in combination; a tubular sleeve, and a formed W-shaped egg holder having pockets each adapted to receive an egg, said tube having a tab in one wall thereof bent into the tube and engaged in-the central channel of said holder to prevent relative movement of the holder and tube.

4. A package for eggs comprising in combination; a tubular sleeve, and a formed W-shaped egg holder having pockets each adapted to receive an egg, said tube having a tab with projections at'its free end bent into the tube and engaged between adjacent pockets of said W-shaped holder to retain the holder within the tube.

5. A package for eggs comprising in combination; a tubular sleeve, and a formed W-shaped egg holder having pockets each adapted to receive an egg, said tube having a tab with pro- J'ections at its free end and a central weakened line, said tab being bent into said tube and into locking engagement with said W-shaped holder, said tab being bent upon itself along said score line to fit into the central channel of said holder, and said projections being forced into the space between adjacent pairs of said pockets to lock therewith and retain said holder from endwise movement in said tube.

SAMUEL BERGSTEIN. 

